My siblings, on the other hand, were less hostile with their looks, with the majority looking more surprised. Only Phso seemed mildly annoyed, with Kahalameet and Neill looking quite calm, as if they had guessed this type of response from me. They didn’t look too comfortable, but they weren’t groaning like Wendriosa and Nong were.
Father, though, did not react at all. He kept looking at me with those same red eyes, patiently awaiting my answer, just like how Kramps would do whenever we talked face-to-face. Even in his lethargic state, he couldn’t hide that behavioral similarity.
“You must know that such a shift would be impossible. You aren’t talking just about Loatryx and Kargryx; you are talking about changing the minds of hundreds of clans and their elders. As ‘toxic’ you might call it, you must perform such an unfeasible feat, similar to Kargryxmor, if you wish to impose your will on others. He united the solitary dragonkin into an empire, forcing them into a system where they cannot remain loners living inside their nest, but into semi-social beings,” Eltharion argued, using this chance to lecture me as well. “A dragonkin who wishes a ‘power of culture’ to stop must use power to turn it around. Such a tyrant… such a hypocrite.”
“And yet this hypocrite can also see through the flaws of a democratically-decided candidacy where the candidates must usurp the role of the Dragon Ruler of a nest. Is that what you’re intending?” I tilted my head.
Eltharion nodded.
I grimaced, closing my eyes for a moment before I turned to Kahalameet. “You know, me talking about my past life on Earth was just a way to sate your curiosity… and have some topics to talk about during the training downtime. So, is this the reason for all those rumors about you and Eldest Sister having gotten along? You were talking with her about how to prevent the civil war by establishing a new method to choose the heir apparent?”
“Summarized it well. Yes,” Eldest Brother replied. “As much as both of us differ in ideology and ruling methods, we both agree that a civil war had to be prevented. A direct battle between both of us had to be prevented.”
“A way to determine which of us is worthy to rule over Kargryx has to happen, regardless. One without a potential siblicide would be preferred,” Wendriosa added. “If we can prevent a civil war from happening, it would be even better.”
“But such a drastic decision won’t ensure that!” I argued. “Democracy isn’t some foreign concept to you. You already know the Republic of Loatryx’s method of choosing a candidate for the kinkyuro’s leadership, but it won’t be like theirs. Dragons and drakes are unused to such a system, even if it’s working right next to them, because handing down the leadership role is done through strength. The “dragon ruler” role is considered the strongest dragon of the nest, and as such, the dragonkin believe the heir apparent of the empire must be as competent as Father for peace to remain. I might not have lived long enough in this empire to form a fully educated opinion on the political landscape, but even I can see that the draconian culture will not simply accept a mere difference in how you choose the heir.”
“That is what I have been saying!” Forminaxtrass yelled, slamming her scale-covered skeletal hand on the table. “Simply because I am the least involved person in our state politics does not mean that my argument can be swept away like some dirt inside a roost.”
“We explained this already: you stated your opinion, but you did not give a solution.” Gyadiosa shook her head, massaging her head as she growled at the third empress. When Forminaxtrass finally settled down, Gyadiosa sighed. “I presume you are talking about a potential battle between each candidate’s faction to gain more supporters, correct?”
I nodded. “You are working under the assumption that each dragon ruler—and the interfering leviathans—will happily accept this new system, simply because Father decided to support the decision. Considering they were already causing trouble, to the point that three imperial children have been harassed and treated like dirt. The Dragon Ruler of Fire even threatened to ‘re-educate’ me if I didn’t either support Brother Kahalameet or completely cede any participation in the succession crisis, even as a neutral party. All of this happened under Father’s rule, or more specifically, it was done because he only recognized me as a ‘dragon princess.’”
Eltharion didn’t react to my small slight, prompting me to continue, “What makes everybody believe that this would just stop with a democratic process? Nothing changed with our culture or the sentiment of the true dragonkin.”
“‘To strive for the kindness we seek through this change, one must first confront the cruelty that has built up at its very foundation…’ Is that what you wanted to convey?” Eltharion finally spoke, but I didn’t answer him since his summary felt more like a directed critique. “You know that Kargryx is allied with Kel’Thun, Caedhul, Ankor-Nazta, and Saelariel, correct?”
I nodded, although I wasn’t sure if our current relationship with Caedhul could be called an “alliance.”
“Then I will be brief with this: in three days, I wish for you to transport High King Fugnarus and King Elutis to Coral Beard through your subspace. Consider this the ‘punishment’ for going against my word,” he said, although I wasn’t sure where he was going with this. “Although they will come under the pretext of Fargryneill’s homecoming festival, they will come to speak with me about the future actions of the ‘Shakaie-Narn Alliance.’ Specifically, the fact that a war between Artorias and Atadoro has become unavoidable.”
I flinched, clutching my hands into fists as that anxiousness before I entered the dining hall returned. “Why?”
“From the report given to me by the colony, now that Loatryx is an official member of this alliance, Atadoro is currently undergoing a minor civil revolution, caused by common men and women allying themselves with the beastmen slaves to overthrow the nobility in that country. Folschreck called upon Artorias to snuff out the embers. A final ‘test’ of loyalty, you could say. Maybe Folscheck believes the situation with Artorias is still salvageable, despite their clear secession intent through their alliance with the western countries.” Father emptied his tea, pausing for a moment to fill his cup with more. “Some nobles in the empire might think so, or maybe this is simply to show the war dissenters the truth. Regardless, the reason doesn’t matter to us. What matters is that either Artorias enters Atadoro to support their historic enemy, or Folschreckian knights will do the deed before invading Artorias. The topic of discussion will be Kargryx’s and Loatryx’s involvement.”
“Rejection will be the decision,” Gyadiosa immediately stated. “That has always been our decision when it comes to these wars. Loatryx might have accepted the alliance, but we will not force them to uphold our decision. That is fair.”
Kargryx still had a staunch isolationist mindset when it came to these political affairs. This wasn’t a surprise. While the majority of the family agreed on this stance, Wendriosa and Nong were less enthusiastic about this declaration. Considering their opinions on how Kargryx should be ruled, I could imagine them fighting back if this decision wasn’t already final, from the sound of it.
“Nevertheless, my point is that the alliance you helped form is finally acting on Artorias’s reason for its creation. Furthermore, are you not forced into an even larger war due to the divine Quest you accepted?” Eltharion pressed, causing me to shrink a bit as I could see why he called me a hypocrite. “You are right. The discussion, or those rumors, centered on how to resolve a family issue. We cannot allow Kahalameet and Wendriosa to be swept into the flood of blood that would inevitably happen if the succession crisis continues. There, your mother also talked about your own decisions concerning your future battles.”
I turned to Mom for a moment before my eyes returned to Eltharion’s. I let out a deep sigh. “If possible, I would like to avoid a major war, as well.”
“You cannot,” Eltharion stated so bluntly that I almost wanted to shout.
Yet, I held it back since this wasn’t the time for a naive and idealistic rebuke.
“As you said, to prevent the proliferation of a cultural mindset, you must break it down and prevent its spread. You cannot create a massive change without confronting those who reject it. Whether through physical strength or political acumen,” Eltharion stated. “Yes, our decision to change the system where even dragonewts and wyverns have as much voting power as the patriarch or matriarch of a high-ranking clan will inevitably cause social turmoil. Yet, to do nothing at all will create no changes.”
“Kargryx was made to help true dragonkin unite under one wing, but the empire has evolved beyond Kargryxmor’s original intent,” Gaistrus stated. “Though its original emperor might complain, isn’t this what he would want from us? Don’t you agree, Hestia? The empire is changing to also include our descendants in the dragonewts, and our faithful companions in the wyverns. The schism between our racial abilities cannot be bridged, but that doesn’t mean we cannot put them into important positions when needed. Without the dragonewts, our government would have almost certainly descended into chaos a long time ago. We empresses owe many dragonewt bureaucrats for their services.”
“Their natural inclination to bow before us is still an issue, but that can be remedied with this one decision. They deserve a say in who their next emperor should be, as Kargryx and Loatryx aren’t two different countries. We are all one people,” Yuilengreill stated, prompting all the empresses to nod. “That includes the loyal lesser dragonkin, as well. The decision, while radical, allows wyverns and kirins a louder voice. Cockatrices and wyrms are a bit more difficult since the majority of their races have intellect similar to normal monsters, so voting rights are only allowed for wyverns, kirins, and sea serpents, for now.”
Eltharion nodded. “You are right to call it flawed. The idea is quite idealistic in our current situation, and I understand your fears that this would promote more violence. Yet, would it not be better to end it with one decisive attack on the people responsible, instead of letting the ‘cauldron overflow with heat?’”
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
… He was using my own attack strategy against me. I did not want a full-on war against Folschreck or Bole’Taria, believing that taking out the people at the top would be enough to prevent a large-scale battle. It kinda worked out against the Prince of Envy, so I thought it was a viable plan.
I guess Father dearest understood that as well. Thinking it through this lens, I couldn’t rebuke him.
“However, you are a member of the imperial family. I have acknowledged it as such. I wish to hear your opinion. You as well, Fargryneill,” Eltharion prompted. “Both of you had time to think of a solution to the succession crisis. Let us hear it.”
“None here,” Neill stated without giving it a single thought. “Gueillxar has to stay neutral. Our clan is not strong enough to compete at a level similar to my siblings. We do not have a nest that we call home, which makes my candidacy null. I support that idea. Though if I am allowed to give my opinion, then seeing Brother Kahalameet and Sister Wendriosa beat up some elder scale would be too enticing to give up. I’ll beat them up with you guys as an independent, even.”
“You might have grown, but that is still too much of a Fargryneill answer…” Taim said, causing my siblings to chuckle for a moment while my second sister rolled her eyes.
As such, the attention turned to me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a better idea. I haven’t thought of an alternative solution to the succession crisis since I first came to the idea of simply prolonging Eltharion’s lifespan.
“The plan hasn’t changed one bit: I am still doing the one thing I know I could do, and that is to help out your soul as I did with Mom’s,” I answered. “If the idea of your death turns into an uncertainty in the next few years, then the succession battle has to cool down until later. It gives everybody more time to think of a better solution.”
“And what if I still support the idea of choosing an heir apparent now? To reduce the possible risk of me dying and leaving an empty throne? Leaving Kargryx in a similar situation as my father did?”
I was silenced once again, groaning as it felt too difficult to speak with Eltharion. “Then… then can’t you start doing something about it? You are the emperor, yet you are allowing your land and family to endure this crap.”
“I am,” he stated, but I remained unconvinced. Those dull, distant eyes told me nothing. “And it will be done as such. Hestia, you probably have heard about that alchemist who betrayed Frozen Nest’s trust. Gyadiosa’s spies and allies have made it known that he remains inside Caedhul’s aquapolis, still.”
Illvenus…
“He has taken refuge under Clan Jormangra. Not the side under Gyadiosa’s control, but under her sister’s. The clan was splintered when Jormangra ascended with Kargryxmor, with one side remaining on Kargryx as Jormangra wished, while the other returned to Caedhul. They might have been born from sky leviathans, but the clan’s ability to control clouds has vanished with the latest heirs,” Eltharion said, prompting Gyadiosa to continue.
“My sister and her son are the only Jormangra leviathans on the Caedhulen side who can still wield the clouds to fly, but with the former’s death, her son is the only one who remains. He is my spy. Outside of him, Clan Jormangra has fully sided with the one who usurped control over Wendriosa’s faction. He is the cause for all this new turmoil between us and the leviathans and adamantoises,” she explained. “My nephew has called for aid in his vengeance, and considering Frozen Nest’s troubles, Melloxtressa has given her support on this matter. There might be peace between us, right now, but we have to remind those incredulous fools that Kargryx’s strength will not wane even with Eltharion weakened.”
“Father has shown his might by destroying a portion of the ocean west of Kel’Thun, and as such, we show our own,” Wendriosa added. “Father has accepted a proposal for me to act as an ambassador to Caedhul to resolve the recent matter. Nongramos will accompany me. Not only to support me in case we meet this faction usurper, but also to bring that elven alchemist to justice for what he did on Frozen Nest. Therefore, I also requested Father for one more favor.”
“You will go to Caedhul with her, Hestia,” Eltharion said, causing Neill and me to both shout, “What!” “The laws state that you may not leave Miononbolax until you are five. However, the law does not include the usage of the subspace. I forbade you from doing so, but that was simply the words of an ‘ill-minded emperor.’ I shall retract those words during this period. You must remain inside your subspace, but your retainers may carry you around while they visit Lecullius. The fact that you are a reincarnator should have already spread to others if they were even mildly interested in you, so there is no issue.”
“And what am I supposed to do there?” I asked, still slightly shocked at this twist of events.
“Support us,” Nong answered in Father’s stead. “Or do you idol stuff.”
“That doesn’t answer the question. Can somebody please give me a clear answer on this? Not to mention, what does any of this have to do with the original topic?”
“Because everything is already in motion, dear,” Mother replied. “The process to vote for the next heir apparent is being worked on by our bureaucrats. Every imperial child is eligible. However, only those who are supported by a dragon ruler or have acquired the title through a fair process may be voted for. This is the display of power. We do not need violence.”
“Ahhhh, so you’re kicking her into the ‘prison’ for her own safety!” Neill said, leaning back on her cushion. “Mother said how the Dragon Ruler of Light will most likely support Hestia for the throne, and I bet the Dragon Ruler of Ice will do whatever Hestia wishes. Either support her candidacy, or give his approval to the one Hestia supports. That will sway the votes coming from those two nests, and that may decide a candidacy.”
“Correct.” Mom nodded. “Maustoovaka had already attempted to sway Hestia. If he tries it again, then—”
“I shall slay him,” Kahalameet stated, causing me to stammer to stop him, but he stopped me before I could say anything. “Trust your eldest, Hestia. I shall do what I need to do if he dares threaten Frozen Nest or Sacred Nest; otherwise, I shall leave him in peace. Though he is old and a rank S, I have confidence that I can defeat him.”
… Brother, what the hell are you thinking? Yet, before those words left my mouth, Mom continued.
“Through this decision, both Ryranakus and Fargryneill will be left alone, as it is very unlikely either of them will be supported by their nest’s dragon ruler. Taimatrak might have some problems, but considering how Dusk Nest will control the empire’s network of information towers in the future, their dragon ruler might be persuaded to support Frozen Nest, simply because the digital media guild is your creation, my daughter.”
“Don’t worry, I will get him to give his support to you until the end!” Formaxtrass laughed. “That fool is ambitious, but knows like everybody else that installing my lazy, unreliable son on the throne is a recipe for disaster. You cannot control an emperor who cares more for ancient human ruins than his own empire. Far better to potentially control the far more idealistic youngest.”
“Oi!” Taim and I yelled, causing the lich dragon to burst into laughter, again.
She just dissed both of us!
“That makes it three nests, with Frozen Nest being the largest one in the empire. As dragonewt and wyvern votes count just as much as an elder scale, that makes you the most important imperial child to sway onto their side,” Mom said with a smile as she stared into my eyes as if she didn’t have a hand in this stressful situation. “Kahalameet, Phsothophus, Wendriosa, and Nongramos will be able to take care of things by themselves with their mothers. It might be more complicated amongst them, but you do not need to worry about their political issues. That is the new succession system we will enact in the next few days.”
“Which is why we need you to remain safe,” Virrflax stated. “However, since leaving you inside the subspace for the duration of the process would be far too cruel, we have decided it would be good for you to help your sister here. We know you have your own set of contacts in Caedhul, right?”
I nodded, instantly thinking of Master Kush. A reunion between master and apprentice was coming.
She continued, “If we wish to uproot Kargryx’s culture, as you said, then we must start with a massive change in mentality. And for that to happen, we also rid ourselves of the leviathans causing trouble for us. Maustoovaka and the usurper must both pay the price. This is our method.”
“Do you understand?” Eltharion asked. “I would have informed you about this during the day of announcement, but since Fargryneill wished to approach the topic, I have answered. Though… to the original question, I shall say that I called you ‘daughter’ due—”
“Don’t!” I interrupted. “I don’t need to hear your answer, nor do I wish to at this point. You were cruel enough when we first met, and with this rather heavy topic, I don’t need to distract myself again. Haaa… I understand. I shall accept this request from the imperial palace. I shall journey with Princess Wendriosa and Prince Nongramos to the capital of Caedhul and the seat of the church of Plesia, Lucullius. Thank you, I am full. May I be excused?”
“You are.”
“May I also?” Neill shot up, prompting Father to accept her request as well.
As the two of us left the dining hall, Neill wrapped her arms around me, hugging me as we walked towards our rooms.
“Sorry about that. I thought it would help you out. Thought Father finally regained some sense,” she said, prompting me to lean my head on her shoulder.
“Should have given it some more thought, then.” I sighed. “But, I get your intention. Thanks for standing up for me, once again.”
“What are sisters for?”
“Heh… though, it seems like we’re gonna be separated again, for a while. Unless you’re intending to come with us?”
Neill shook her head. “Depends. Annaheil’s healing is currently far more important for your future objectives, right? Not to mention, I haven’t been in Kargryx for so long, I want to catch up with the old neighborhood, so I have to stay. Mother also needs me around. And I have to take some classes to get ready to inherit the clan from her. So I’ll be quite busy myself. I can’t think too selfishly, buuuuuut I wouldn’t say no to punching a few people trying to bully my little sister!”
“Hiehie, right you are, and I think I now understand why Renee came with you. It’s about the possible war between Yeos and Folschreck, right?” I stated, prompting Neill to confirm my suspicion. “Good gosh… Yeah, we have to help out Yeos before Artorias makes their decision. I’m stuck on this stupid continent, while my allies continue to move on without me. I anticipated a possible war breaking out without me around, but it’s actually coming true.”
“Just how things work with life. Saori’s and Asaka’s group are both doing their own thing, right now, remember? You got Tasianna and Vifi here, but the other half of Aurora have their own missions to fulfill. Don’t worry about it for now. In two years, you will all reunite and can continue on your way to Bole’Taria. By then, you’ll hopefully master [Battle Frenzy]. I’ll give you a hand, okay? You’re just stuck in the subspace, so it isn’t like I can’t visit you here and there, just like how Mom could speak with me all this time.”
The subspace really was the best invention I ever made. Grimnir’s value to the party couldn’t be expressed with mere words.
Although Neill’s homecoming had filled me with so much excitement and happiness, I couldn’t ignore how her celebration dinner had caused such a huge upheaval in my peaceful daily life. Another mission would soon see me away to a new adventure in a foreign land, but that wouldn’t happen until the announcement was made.
Tomorrow was still Neill’s, as it was time for her to show Kargryx how strong she really was.
… All while listening to Kramps complain as if he had lost his trust in dragonkind.
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